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How to Make Jell-O Art

The wobbly and transparent dessert has been part of American culture for so long that artists are now making JELL-O art. According to Kraft Brands, JELL-O was first patented by inventor Peter Cooper in 1845, though Pearle B. Wait developed the packets of gelatin into fruit flavored desserts. Artists are molding the different flavors and colors of JELL-O into wild shapes and creating sculptures and installation art, where entire rooms are filled with it.

Things You'll Need

  • 10 boxes 3 oz. JELL-O packages
  • Mixing bowl
  • Boiling water
  • Measuring cup
  • Variety of containers
  • Aluminum foil
  • Bowl
  • Light-box
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Instructions

    • 1

      Sketch out a design for your JELL-O art piece. Consider the colors you want to use and the types of containers you have available. Anything nonporous, such as plastic and metal can be used as a mold.

    • 2

      Pour one box of JELL-O into a mixing bowl. Pour in 1 cup of boiling water. Stir to dissolve the powder. Add 2 cups of cold water. Stir again. This should be enough for 2 qts. So add more packages if you need more for a specific container or mold.

    • 3

      Pour the JELL-O into a container you want to use. Experiment with different sizes of bowls, bakeware or molds. Place the container into a refrigerator overnight.

    • 4

      Make the rest of your JELL-O packages. Crumble a sheet of aluminum foil into a bowl-like shape. Place it into a bowl that fits the foil. Pour JELL-O into this makeshift mold. Refrigerate overnight.

    • 5

      Remove the molded JELL-O creations on top of a light box (the kind used by photographers to look at slides and film). Arrange them to features their colors and shapes. Plug in the light box, and turn down your lights for the art work.

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Sculpture

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